Detail: The colour red has a strong affiliation with China and it has played an important role in Chinese culture for centuries.

The colour remains significant to the Chinese today. It is the primary colour on the flag of People’s Republic of China and the colour is seen everywhere during the Lunar New Year.

Most objects in the collection at the Museum of East Asian Art are of Chinese origin. Many are decorated with red colours, including ceramics, lacquerware, prints and paintings. This exhibition presents the materials used to produce red colours, explains the symbolism of the colour red and explores the rapid advancement of red wares during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).